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Tender Slow Cooker BBQ Baby Back Ribs Recipe Fall Off the Bone Easily

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This recipe delivers tender, juicy baby back ribs cooked low and slow in a slow cooker, finished with a caramelized homemade BBQ sauce glaze that falls off the bone.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 racks baby back ribs (3–4 pounds)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey or molasses
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for sauce)
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (for sauce)
  • Hot sauce to taste (optional)
  • 1/2 cup water or apple juice
  • Aluminum foil (for broiling)

Instructions

  1. Remove the silver skin membrane from the back of the ribs by sliding a butter knife under it and pulling it off. Pat ribs dry.
  2. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to make the dry rub.
  3. Generously coat both sides of the ribs with the dry rub, pressing it into the meat.
  4. Place ribs in the slow cooker standing up or lying flat. Add 1/2 cup water or apple juice to the bottom.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours until ribs are tender and pulling away from the bone.
  6. While ribs cook, whisk together ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, honey or molasses, Dijon mustard, liquid smoke (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, and hot sauce to make the BBQ sauce.
  7. When ribs are done, remove from slow cooker and place on a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush ribs generously with BBQ sauce on all sides.
  8. Broil ribs on high for 5 minutes, then flip and brush the other side with sauce. Broil another 5 minutes until sauce bubbles and caramelizes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  9. Let ribs rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Remove the membrane for tender ribs. Broiling after slow cooking adds a sticky, caramelized glaze. Use liquid smoke for smoky flavor without a grill. Cooking time may vary depending on slow cooker; check tenderness after 6 hours. If sauce thickens too much during broiling, brush with apple juice to loosen.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker ribs, BBQ ribs, baby back ribs, fall off the bone ribs, homemade BBQ sauce, easy ribs recipe

Find it online: https://avabake.com/tender-slow-cooker-bbq-baby-back-ribs-recipe-fall-off-the-bone-easily/